Execute

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Actions always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action."
                                                                                            Frank Tibolt

• I don't have the time right now.
• I don't have the financial resources.
• I am not sure how to market my idea.
• Some day I am going to . . .

I spent a good portion of this past weekend cleaning out my koi pond, buying some fish and getting it prepared for the landscaping. I added three beautiful new koi and a week later I can hardlly see them due to the algae that is growing inside the pond. The combination of warm weather and still water provided a perfect environment for the algae to grow.

What is the problem? There is not a sufficient amount of activity (movement of water) to sustain life in the pond (yes the fish have survived). Our dreams and ambitions can fall prey to the same malady - inactivity. Our lives become comfortable, dormant and sedentary then undesireable characteristics start to grow. We begin to grow complacent, doubts creep into our mind and it just becomes easier to do nothing.

The answer is pretty simple - execute your dreams, start something good today. Maybe its the exercise program you were considering, or taking the first steps in initiating a new project, or maybe that book you want to write. The longer you sit there, the greater the risk of weeds taking over your garden or worse, complacency taking over you life.

Accepting Responsibility

"I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom."  Bob Dylan

I used to think that it was prudent to exercise restraint in most situations, but that philosophy of life is sure to get you stepped on. There are times you need to confront the idiots, ideologues and irresponsible people who are perfectly content to dump their garbage in your front yard.

I really don't have a problem with confrontation anymore. What does irritate me are people who think that you shouldn't have to take responsibility for the stands you take.  If you are going to get in someone's face, confront an issue at the office, or in your church, or just chew out someone who get's on your nerves, then understand there is a price to pay.

So next time you think, "I sure would love to give him/her a piece of my mind." Go for it!, but don't expect to recieve candy on Valentine's Day, or use them as a reference on your resume. Stand up for what you believe is right - then be willing to take the fallout that comes from being a person of principle.

Trent Wheeler